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MITO Material Solutions has been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant for $224,988 to conduct research and development (R&D) work on a nano-additive that doubles the interlaminar toughness of composite materials utilized in aerospace, recreation, and automotive industries.

MITO is founded by Kevin and Haley Keith, who are the vice president and president; Richard Gajan is CEO; and Dr. Bhishma Sedai is the vice president of research and development and PI. The additive was developed in Oklahoma State University’s Helmerich Research Center in Tulsa by Dr. Ranji Vaidyanathan, who is the co-PI. This grant will help create two engineering positions at inception, and help MITO grow to a predicted 200 employees within five to seven years.

Once a small business is awarded a Phase I SBIR/STTR grant (up to $225,000), it becomes eligible to apply for a Phase II grant (up to $750,000). Small businesses with Phase II grants are eligible to receive up to $500,000 in addiUonal matching funds with qualifying third-party investment or sales.